Vehicle Mechanisms Engineer I

Relativity Space•Long Beach, CA

4d•$90,000 - $136,000

About The Position

Relativity Space is hiring a Vehicle Mechanisms Engineer I to guide the design of Terran R flight mechanisms, including stage separation, payload deployment, aerodynamic control features, and landing gear. The role covers the full design cycle: conceptualization, trade studies, design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of components. The engineer will collaborate with structures, avionics, fluids, vehicle design, test, loads, additive, and manufacturing teams, using Relativity's additive process and design freedom to develop integrated hardware. The work may include designing and testing stage separation or fairing deployment systems; conceptualizing landing gear or aerodynamic-surface actuation; defining design criteria and subsystem requirements; reviewing static and dynamic loads, material properties, and manufacturing processes; and presenting mechanism trade studies to leadership. The engineer will deliver projects on time and within budget, integrate subsystems into printed primary structure, and support development of the additive process. Success requires self-motivation, comfort with ambiguity, ownership of projects through completion, and effective collaboration.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field.
0–2+ years of experience in a full-cycle design engineering role, including CAD, analysis, build, and test.
Active, hands-on involvement in a collegiate design team such as FSAE or Baja SAE.
Fundamental knowledge of kinematic synthesis, pneumatic/hydraulic actuation, mechatronics, and instrumentation.
Fundamental knowledge of structural strength, stability, and fatigue failure modes.
Technical problem-solving, manufacturing processing, materials, surface treatments, and hands-on hardware build experience.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to lead discussions on complex technical topics.
Candidates should have completed degree requirements and be available to begin full-time employment within 30–60 days of applying.

Responsibilities

Guide the design of Terran R mechanisms, including stage separation, payload deployment, aerodynamic control features, and landing gear.
Complete the full design cycle for components, including conceptualization, trade studies, design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing.
Collaborate with structures, avionics, fluids, vehicle design, test, loads, additive, and manufacturing teams.
Design and test stage separation or fairing deployment systems.
Conceptualize landing gear or aerodynamic-surface actuation.
Define design criteria and subsystem requirements.
Review static and dynamic load inputs, material properties, and manufacturing processes.
Conduct trade studies of mechanism design concepts and present findings to leadership.
Deliver projects on time and within budget.
Integrate subsystems into printed primary structure and support development of the additive process.